EVERYDAY MYSTICISM AND CHAOS THEORY

Non Linearity in Mysticism and Chaos Theory

ABSTRACT

The linear approach to mysticism that lays down predetermined methods and
practices to facilitate experience of the absolute must be considered on par
with secondary or everyday mysticism which is essentially nonlinear and
involves the burdens and joys, failures and successes of everyday life. Such a
mystical approach will bring about a renewed meaning to existence and will
usher in social, political and religious transformations. Parallels of the linear
and nonlinear aspect in scientific arena can be drawn with the developments
in mysticism. While the Newtonian deterministic linear systems bracketed out
the nonlinear systems, the deterministic chaos takes into account nonlinearity
and unravels the possibility to determine the nonlinear dynamics to some
extent and also controls a wide range of application including an
acknowledgement and acceptance of nonlinear systems.

This paper analyses the paradigm shift in both science and mysticism. The
scientific arena witnessed the change from the linearity focused approach of
Newton to the nonlinearity dominated Chaos Theory. In mysticism, the shift in
emphasis was from the linear predetermined way of getting to God in the cells
of monastic orders to the non linear everyday life where mysticism lay
shrouded in oblivion. The unraveling of everyday/secondary mysticism will
emphasize its interpersonal dimension as well as its transformative
relationship to social justice and political structures, creating a new ambience
in the ailing institutionalized religions.

Providing an alternative to branded mysticism, practiced in monastic cells or

Yoga centres, this paper restores the dignity and importance of everyday
mysticism in living rooms, cubicles or streets. The nonlinearity of mysticism
dealt here is based on the concepts of everyday mysticism by Karl Rahner
and mysticism of secondariness by Don Cuppit. An Everyday mystic is lead to
realization of God in his experience of reality. The plight of people as well as
environment forces him to action. The motive of this action, stem from a
mystical awareness that urges him to restore harmony and justice. In a
society where involvement in political democratic process is taking a
backseat, an everyday mystic involves actively and selflessly in societal
matters in order to bring about lasting changes. With innovations happening in
split second and the world craving for change, the institutionalized religions
are facing the music for traditional and dogmatic approach. The everyday
mystical approach will salvage the pride of institutionalized religions. Everyday
mystical approach would take the God out from scriptures to reality. This
personal experience of a God who is intertwined in the complex experience of
life would enrich the meaningfulness of a religious life. Once this happens, the
institutionalized religions will act as a reference and regulator facilitating the
individual mystical experience along with relations with the other.

By revealing the reality in black and promoting God realization, the non linear
approach of everyday/secondary mysticism, has the potential to transform the
human being from selfish individuality to selfless social being, restoring both
spiritual content and social sensibility.

Jeff Shawn Jose

Licentiate in Philosophy
Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram